Time Turns Elastic, a ground-breaking work for vocals, guitar and orchestra composed by Trey Anastasio and Don Hart, will be released on May 12, 2009 by Rubber Jungle Records, Anastasio’s independent label.

The piece – orchestrated by Hart and performed by Anastasio and The Northwest Sinfonia, conducted by David Sabee – blends the intrinsic elegance of classical music with searing blues-rock guitar, resulting in an exhilarating work that engages and challenges fans of both genres.

“Neither of us had ever heard anything that uses a guitar as a serious instrument intermingled with an orchestra in the same way one would write a concerto for a violin and orchestra,” says Anastasio, who first collaborated with Hart at the 2004 Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival while staging a piece from one of his solo albums, Seis de Mayo. “I grew up loving Ravel and Eric Clapton equally,” he continues. “So I kept saying to Don, ‘why can’t we have a piece of music that’s half Ravel and half Cream’s Disraeli Gears?”

Both Anastasio, named one of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time by Rolling Stone and a founding member of the genre-melding rock band Phish, and Hart, who’s worked with a diverse group of musicians that includes Martina McBride, Collective Soul and Randy Travis and is currently Composer-in-Residence for Orchestra Nashville, are musical chameleons whose tastes cross all boundaries. While the pair’s collaborations on Anastasio’s Shine (2005) and Bar 17 (2006), may prefigure Time Turns Elastic, the composition actually began as a Phish song.

“I was living in upstate New York when I started writing this little tune that just kept growing,” recalls Anastasio. “I initially thought it would be a Phish song, but after I sent a demo of it to Don, it just grew organically into an orchestral piece.” The 13-minute acoustic guitar demo – which is included on the album – evolved into “Movement 2″ and “Movement 3″ and provided Hart with the inspiration for “Movement 1.”

Anastasio and Orchestra Nashville (conducted by Paul Gambill) gave Time Turns Elastic its debut performance at the Orchestra’s season opener at Nashville’s legendary Ryman Auditorium in September 2008. “It was ambitious, strange and wholly entertaining,” said rollingstone.com. “There was no doubt that he had won over both his hardcore fan base and the Bach aficionados who were new to the party.”

Time Turns Elastic will receive its East Coast premiere on May 21st when Anastasio joins Music Director Marin Alsop (the first woman to head a major American orchestra) and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra for a special evening – already sold out – that will also feature classic Phish songs and solo Anastasio compositions. And Time Turns Elastic will come full circle when Phish performs it on the band’s upcoming summer tour, interpreting the piece as an epic rock song. For details on the tour, the band’s first in five years, please visit www.phish.com.

The track listing for Time Turns Elastic is as follows:

1. Time Turns Elastic

Movement 1
Song at Dawn
Ruby Shaded Sea

Movement 2
Submarine
Landslide
Rays of Blue Light

Movement 3
Silver Sound Shower
Hailstorm
Funnels
Carousel

2. Time Turns Elastic (Acoustic)

Trey Anastasio on amazon.com

Phish Official Website

Don Hart

Trey Anastasio

The album opens with “Rainbow Nebula,” which features an ethereal beginning followed by layers of acoustic and electric guitar under laid by a rhythmic bass line and interspersed with piano. The sound is upbeat yet underscored with darker rhythms and melodies that suggest you are entering a textured and complex musical world. That multi-layered sound appears throughout the album and gives Zeier’s work a cinematic feel: each of these tracks suggests plots and complexities that extend beyond the song itself, and is telling only part of a larger story.

For those of you looking for Zeier’s straight-up, rock the stadium electric guitar, Zeier indulges the need with the bluesy song “The Journey,” the funky “Z-Factor,” and the first half of “Cloud Painter.” However, the album overall does not limit itself to one genre, instead favoring towards tight compositions and covering a variety of styles and moods. “Rite of Passage” and “New World” have an orchestral sound and forgo the guitar in favor of violins, drums, and choral singers to create a sound that is both optimistic and sinister in a way that classical music is able to that rock and roll just can’t do in the same way.

Phenomenation is an excellent musical journey through time and space and a deep showcase of Zeier’s musical ability. This is the best of cinematic rock: whether it’s on your MP3 player or in your favorite films I have no doubt you’ll be hearing a lot of Phenomenation and Richard Zeier.

Artist: Richard Zeier
Title: Phenomenation
Genre: Symphonic Rock
Label: RJZ Music
Website
CD Baby Link

© MuzikReviews.com

Ryan Quinn

He must have also had some pretty genius people skills as well. Throughout his career, working so closely with the royals and during times when people were being burned at the stake for their religious views, Thomas Tallis never seemed to have any problems with religious matters. Even as a church organist.

One of his most famous masterpieces still popular to this day is Spem in Alium. Spem in Alium is a forty part motet which was written for eight choirs of five voices each. I fell victim to that song a couple months ago. I was in the kitchen making a cup of tea or something like that, and I decided to turn the radio on to the classical station – which isn’t something I normally do.

Good thing I was listening that day, because when Tallis’ Spem in Alium came on I couldn’t move. I had to keep listening until it was over. I had never heard a classical piece written and performed in such a way. The timing of the song and the way the voices were intertwining and moving around each other like waves was amazing.

Immediately when the song was over I ran to the computer to find out more about Thomas Tallis and his song Spem in Alium. Oddly enough in doing so, I found that The People’s Chorus had just performed the piece in Manchester, England and was due to be broadcast by the end of the year. I was so disappointed to see that they had already recorded, as I would have loved to be apart of such a big event.

This past weekend the performance of Spem in Alium by The People’s Chorus was on BBC 4. They originally tried to get 1,000 singers for the event to make it one of the biggest and most difficult attempts to perform the song. After drop outs and no shows, the number ended up being more like 650 (or 800 – 1,000 depending on where you look on the net), though they still pulled it off after rehearsals and the final performance within one day. It was difficult watching it on TV because I know that the acoustics in person would have been so much better, but it still came across beautifully.

There is a very detailed account of the day by one of the singers of The People’s Chorus which you can find by following this link.

To buy the DVD for the performance of Spem in Alium by The People’s Chorus go to Digital Classics DVD Website

There are many versions of Spem in Alium – one short clip by The Kings Singers can be found here.

The Tallis Scholars Sing Thomas Tallis on Amazon.com

By: Jenny May

I’m sure plenty of Sting fans were taken aback when they heard that he was taking up the lute, but I think it was a great move. He said on the show that this is an interlude in his career and that he likes to surprise people. Mission accomplished, I’m sure. In fact he’s made such an impression on the public that apparently, the English Lute Society sales have quadrupled worldwide since Sting has taken up the lute!

I’ve listened to the tracks off of Songs From The Labyrinth that are up on Sting’s website and they’re very relaxing to listen to. The vocal harmonies are brilliant as well as his lute playing. This album would make a great gift for an open minded Sting fan as well as fans of the lute.

For more information and to hear tracks off of Songs From The Labyrinth go to Sting’s Official Website.

By: Jenny May

The Complete W.F. Bach Flute Duos is an ambitious set being that is a complete group of compositions featuring the genius of Bach. This is not new territory for either performer and that becomes rather obvious right from the start to the very end of the CD.

Laurel is brilliant with adapting her style of playing with other artists and this is yet another triumph for her. Sara is equally adept; in fact, it is very difficult to tell which artist is playing at any given moment, because they compliment each other so well. I imagine someone that has been listening to them for years would be able to pick out all the subtle nuances and varying tones; however, my ear is not trained as of yet to detect this. In the end, it did not matter to me as I enjoyed the entire recording.

Each musician has a way of taking each composition and making it their own and using their partner as a place to get answers to the call of their lovely notes that seamlessly flow out of their flutes. It is as if the ladies were pied pipers leading me into the forest of enchantment. Of course, this music is much more complex and difficult to play then some perky ditty on a woodwind; I found this to be a kind of magical frame of reference to use for my own entertainment. This is definitely a slice of heaven to be cherished and a great way to relax and appreciate one of the great master’s of music.

Tracks:

Duo # 1
01. Allegro (4:02)
02. Larghetto (3:59)
03. Vivace (3:09)

Duo # 2
04. Allegro ma non troppo (3:29)
05.Cantabile (3:00)
06. Alla breve (1:37)
07. Gigue Allegro (2:08)

Duo #3
08. Allegro (4:59)
09. Adalgo ma non malto (4:57)
10. Presto (4:23)

Duo #4
11. Allegro e moderato (5:19)
12. Lamentabile (6:20)
13.Presto (2:27)

Duo # 5
14. Un poco Allegro (7:18)
15. Largo (6:38)
16. Vivace (3:25)

Duo #6
17. Un poco Allegro (2:32)
18. Largo (5:46)
19. Vivace (2:02)

Artist: Laurel Zucker & Sara Andon
Title: The Complete W.F. Bach Flute Duos
Genre: Classical
Label: Cantilena Records
Website
CD Baby Link

© Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

The title of the recording befits the 19 compositions covered on this comprehensive outing. Schubert gets extensive coverage through seven variations and the “Theme – Trochne Blumen.” While I found the entire recording beautifully done and valid, this particular broad honoring of Debussy is the most prolific and ever changing on the CD. The then the two main compositions are by Cesar Franck, which the artists feel is the most important classic. The flute and piano playing of Ms. Zucker and Mr. Shapiro are as usual, beyond reproach.

The consistency of the compositions is remarkable. I found the music sweeping and it left me mesmerized, unable to concentrate on anything else for very long. Of course, this would be the objective of any entertainer, and this marvelous couple does a fine job of capturing the essence and purpose of the original composer’s meaning.

Once again, I found myself captivated by classical music. What makes it all that much sweeter is that its independent classical musical on the label of the artist. Shapiro and Zucker serve as an inspiration to all artists from every genre on the globe. This is how you do it the indie way with class and style.

Artist: Laurel Zucker & Mark Shapiro
Title: Master Music for Flute & Piano
Genre: Classical
Label
CD Baby Link
Website

Tracks:

01. Cesar Franck Sonata -Allegro ben moderato
02. Cesar Franck Sonata- Allegro
03. Cesar Franck Sonata- Recitativo Fantaisia
04. Cesar Franck Sonata- Allegretto poco mosso
05. Maurice Ravel – piece en Forme de Habanera
06. Gabriel Faure – Morceau de Concourse
07. Claude Debussy – The Little Shepherd
08. Franz Schubert – Introduction & Variations on a Theme from Mulle
09. Schubert – Theme -Trochne Blumen
10. Schubert – Variation 1
11. Schubert – variation 2
12. Schubert – variation 3
13. Schubert – variation 4
14. Schubert – variation 5
15. Schubert – variation 6
16. Schubert – variation 7
17. Darius Milhaud Sonatine – Tendre
18. Milhaud – Souple
19. Milhaud – Clair

© Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

Ms. Zucker and Mr. Shapiro are in exceptional form performing music from various composers from the 18th and 19th century. Reineke, Gaubert, Hue, Boehm, and Doppler are the honored composers on this outing.

The term ‘madrigal’ has two distinct, unconnected meanings: a poetic and musical form of 14th-century Italy, and a 16th- or 17th-century setting of secular verse. This is ongoing education for me personally, both listening and understanding the meaning of the titles. I find it all very fascinating and can see how this beautiful music has lasted through the ages. Classical music is where it all starts and ends and everything we hear that is from a different genre stems from it. There was a day that I would have said that statement was rubbish but now I know much better.

The nine tracks take you through a story from a place far away in time with the ebb and tide of a musical ocean that seems to flow right over you while listening. This music is exciting, sad, tragic, and full of the many colors of the soul. Without uttering a word this music is so powerful, alone that it does need a single word to express itself. The flute is a beautiful instrument and if used properly it can bring out many different atmospheres, particularly when it combines with another instrument like a piano. The give and take that this dynamic duo formulates in each composition is an ongoing dialogue with their instruments that holds strong and true from the beginning to the end of this recording.

Madrigal for Flute and Piano is music that resonates through the universe and will continue to do so thanks to the fine artists performing, Laurel Zucker and Mark Shapiro. Thank you both for another classic that I intend to enjoy for many years to come.

Artist: Laurel Zucker & Mark Shapiro
Title: Madrigal for Flute and Piano
Genre: Classical
Label
CD Baby
Link Website

1. Carl Reineke- Movement 1
2. Carl Reineke -Movement 2
3. Carl Reineke – Movement 3
4. Carl Reineke- Movement 4
5. Philippe Gaubert- Divertissement
6. Francois Doppler- Fantaisie Pastorale Hongroise, Opus 26
7. George Hue- Fantasie
8. Philippe Gaubert – Madrigal
9. T. Boehm – Nel Cor Piu Variations

© Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

Romanza Andaluza for Flute & Guitar is supports the Spanish composer’s work very well. Each composer is different and the succinct Spanish atmosphere and culture comes through nicely through the two musicians own interpretations. Each present their vision clearly, Delpriora’s through his excellent guitar playing and Zucker via her airy and alluring tones from her flute. The two combined are like listening to a slice of heaven.

Although Laurel Zucker and Mark Delpriora have been working together since the 1970’s, this is their first CD. They will be performing for audiences in California and New York City this year and next year. After their touring is complete, the duo will go back into the recording studio and record two more albums.

This album will be appreciated not only by classical music lovers, but enjoyed by fans of Andres Segovia’s music as well.

© Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

01. Pablo de Sarasate- Romanza Andalouza, Opus 21, No.1
02. Emile Pessard – Andalouse, Opus 20
03. Maximo Pujol- Suite Buenos Aires- I. Pompeya
04. Maximo Pujol – Suite Buenos Aires- II. Palermo
05. Maximo Pujol – Suite Buenos Aires – III. San Telmo
06. Maximo Pujol – Suite Buenos Aires – IV. Microcentro
07. Joaquin Rodrigo – Aria Antiqua
08. Francisco Gonzalez – Danza de Los Amantes Efimeros
09. Maximo Pujol – Dos Aires Candomberos – I. Nubes de Buenos Aires
10. Maximo Pujol – Dos Aires Candomberos – II. Candombe de los Bueno
11. Joaquin Rodrigo- Serenata al Alba del Dia – Andante moderato
12. Joaquin Rodrigo-Serenata al Alba del Dia – Allegro
13. Enrique Granados – Villanesca
14. Enrique Granados-Danza Triste
15. Enrique Granados – Zambria

Artist: Laurel Zucker & Mark Delpriora
Title: Romanza Andaluza for Flute & Guitar
Genre: Classical
Label
CD Baby Link
Website

© Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

Zucker and Shapiro travel down the road of composers dating back to the 1700’s such as Christophe von Gluck. There are 13 tracks with two suites, tracks 3-7 and 9-11. The suites are the most impressive work as they take you through a story without words. Zucker’s flute carries with it emotion and the vicissitudes of life while Shapiro walks right alongside her, playing equally effective piano. The two instruments make musical interplay a joy to hear.

It has been a while since I explored the music of this renowned flutist and now I can renew my interest once again. There are four other recordings out now as well. Surely each one is quite different from the other and will challenge my imagination and heighten my senses. I enjoyed the pensive anticipation this music made me feel and the relaxing atmospheres suddenly changing to a faster pace and brooding mood. It all amounts to an amalgam of human emotions interpreted through beautiful classical music.

© Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

Tracks:

01. Frank Martin – Ballade for flute and piano
02. Kent Kennan – Night Soliloquy for flute and piano
03. John Harbison-Duo for flute and piano- Fanfare
04. Harbison duo – lullaby
05. Harbison duo – Intermezzo
06. Harbison duo – Dithyramb
07. Harbison Duo – Sonata and Coda
08. Charles Griffes- Poem for flute and piano
09. Hans Werner Henze – Sonatine for flute and piano -Moderato
10. Henze – Sonatine -andantino
11. Henze -Sonatine -Presto
12. Laurel Zucker -Pandora’s Box for solo flute
13. Christophe Gluck – Scene from Orpheus for flute and piano

Artist: Laurel Zucker & Mark Shapiro
Title: The Dark Side of the Flute
Genre: Classical
Label
CD Baby Link
Website

The music befits the title as it creates many images while listening. It is all at once cinematic, breathtaking, and a slice of heaven. The orchestral segments set the tone, whether it is fast paced and dramatic or sad and reflective. The keyboards come delivered upon a layer of sweeping orchestration in each track.

The couple is interested in provoking thoughts from its audience, and there are many subjects covered even though there are not words attached to the music. Their music is so powerful that words are not needed, just look at the titles; they are suggestive enough to engage you and compel you to develop your own storyline while listening. It was easy for me as I can relate much better to instrumental music than compositions entangled with words, which are frequently difficult to understand to begin with on most recordings. This CD starts you off with a clean slate as a perspective listener and each composition is an aural landscape, an adventure that will transport you away to another place in time very quickly. It is easy if you let the music take you. With good instrumentals, it is my choice to immerse myself in the sounds and land wherever it takes me. That is what makes an instrumental track so exciting and special.

I was very impressed with this music and the sound is very good as well. Music so delicate and complex needs top-notch engineering and mixing. It is obvious to me after several listens that there was a job well done in all the important aspects of producing a quality recording. Do not be surprised if you hear this music in the background of a film someday.

© Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

Artist: Honest Touch
Title: Memories From A Dream
Genre: Instrumental-Classical-New Age
Label: Independent
Honest Touch Website
CD Baby Link

01. Prologue: Let Love Soar
02. A Lonely Ride
03. Dancing Under The Moon
04. Moments With You
05. Like The Wind, The Wave & The Sand
06. Autumn Tear
07. And A Time For War..!
08. Luce Lontana
09. Withering Wish
10. Memories From A Dream
11. Then You Came
12. A Promise Forever
13. Epilogue: Lay All Your Love On Me